Northern California man dies in boat collision on Pyramid Lake

A Northern California man died after a collision at Pyramid Lake in Castaic on Saturday afternoon, according to authorities.

The man was driving a WaveRunner personal watercraft when he abruptly turned his path and collided with a ski boat at about 1:40 p.m., according to a statement by the Parks Bureau of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

The victim was identified as Edgardo Almaraz, 36, of Newark, said Investigator Kelli Blanchard of the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Department.

The boat operator jumped into the water to assist Almaraz and hold his head above the water until Coast Guard Auxiliary personnel, who had witnessed the crash, could assist, the statement said.

After being brought to shore and administered CPR, Almaraz was pronounced dead by Los Angeles County Fire Department paramedics at 2:22 p.m.

Almaraz suffered multiple injuries and alcohol does not appear to have been a factor, according to the statement.

The exact cause of death is not yet known, pending autopsy, Blanchard said.